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Stockton lowers Bridge Street weight limit to 5 tons to reduce truck turnarounds and hazards
Summary
Stockton Borough Council on March 26 adopted Ordinance 2026-04 to set a 5‑ton limit on Bridge Street between Route 29 and Centre Bridge to Pennsylvania, aligning with NJDOT guidance and aiming to reduce large-truck turnarounds and safety risks; enforcement and signage remain implementation concerns.
Stockton Borough Council adopted Ordinance 2026-04 on March 26 to reduce the allowable vehicle weight on Bridge Street (between Route 29 and Centre Bridge to Pennsylvania) to five tons except for local deliveries.
Mayor Aaron Lipsen said the change responds to recurring incidents in which large tractor‑trailers turn into the downtown area and must reverse because Centre Bridge imposes a 5‑ton limit; last summer, Lipsen said, one truck struck power lines and a fire hydrant. Council cited an NJDOT Division of Traffic Engineering letter dated Jan. 23, 2026 that supported reducing the local weight limit to align with the bridge restriction.
Councilmember Gilinger described the ordinance as a “no‑brainer” given frequent truck turnarounds; resident Michelle Purcell and other commenters supported improved signage and additional traffic‑calming steps because GPS routing often puts trucks onto local streets. Borough Attorney Lisa Maddox said general penalties already exist (a general-ordinance baseline fine of up to $2,000 per violation) and recommended coordination with state police on enforcement.
Mann moved adoption, Gilinger seconded; roll call vote was Brown, Fisher, Gilinger, Mann and Meltzer — Ayes 5, Nays 0. The ordinance requires submission to the Commissioner of Transportation and will take effect after adoption, publication and Commissioner approval where required.
Council asked staff to continue working with NJDOT on signage and enforcement planning.
